Completed The War of Spears and Sparrows

[Xavior Silhouette]

Xavior remained wrapped in heavy cloth as the claws of his feet gently gripped at the wood of the vessel’s deck. Anxiously, he waited near the stern of the ship as the steep inclines of mountains began to manifest in the distance. A grin played across his face under the leather mask he wore. The brown leather shaped into the form of a jackal, an animal he had grown fond of as the time passed on his journey. The winter’s ice had finally melted and allowed for trade by ocean to return. He had hoped ship from Zeltiva and was stalled from the continuation of his journey from Sunberth due to the snow and wind that blew the ocean into an unpredictable froth. Ice, wind, ice, water, ice, snow, it was brutal made all the more difficult as his identity had been made known after a particularly harsh morning. The harshness of the weather failed to compare to the harshness of man, thankfully only dulled by the craft, the gift, granted and ingrained in his being. The use of magic aided Xavior to talk down the captain from an execution. Lashes across the back stung harder than the day he had fallen from the grace of Leth’s domain and back to the truly terrible world. But, it was a price Xavior would gladly pay to complete his journey from corruption to serenity of Lhavit. Even though the slashes of man dug deep in his back, no harm or threat was made toward them. Only sounds of praises, prayers, and humbleness passed his lips as he was restrained and tortured half the day. Xavior knew once the sun fell the truth in what he had wailed out to them would be shown. The sun grew near to the ocean’s line and began to be devoured by the sea as darkness began to befall. The lone deckhand meant to watch the captive was treated to a rare spectacle as the zith’s form seemed to melt away with the moon’s light as the form grew to an almost statuesque figure. Fur and flesh of the zith seemed to fall onto the ground and blow away in the wind, turned to dust that shimmered like the ocean’s spray. Fair skin smooth as polished marble, white hair tipped with the color of lavender, and antler-like horns white at the base but with branches tipped with violet, it was at that moment the man ran in fear as Xavior turned free of his bonds to face them. His nakedness was soon remedy as the soft, white fabric draped over his body. Guilt befell the older of the crew as they now knew the truth behind the words spat out by the monster they had found among them during the day. Even though they insisted the earthly body to be covered during the day, they treated Xavior as an equal and he was more than happy to lend a hand on the long, arduous, journey. Closer and even closer still, the peaks of mountains drew closer. “Home,” a warm rumble in his voice reverberated against his cheeks beneath the mask. Xavior was excited as the ship grew closer to the docks, he could feel the call of the moon in his body as he stepped below deck to strip the costume he wore. He gripped his leather jacket and pants, lengthened and tailored for someone much taller than the zith. He removed the mask and added it to the bundle of old cloth and tied it closed with some chord. Stripped of cover he brought the clothing he would soon wear back up on deck. The sun had begun to draw nearer to the horizon as he stood near the bow of the ship. His body soon began to change and grow taller as the familiar and much more pleasant form began to take over his body. The feel of the cool salt water against his bare flesh and the wind as it blew between his horns and played with his hair made the excitement in his chest grow all the more. He stepped into his pants and pulled them to his waist, only after he had tied the cloth around his crotch. He slid on some worn socks before the thick boots slid over them as well, the tube of leather hidden beneath the jagged cuff of each pant leg. As he continued to dress the ship shuttered and halted as it tied off at the dock. It was warm out and Xavior opted to only wear his robe, the sash tied just below the dark crescent moon perfectly embroidered into the fabric’s surface. He heard shouts and calls of the crew as they began to carefully secure their vessel to the dock. The crossbow gifted to him for hunting clinked against the quiver of bolts as he gathered his belongings and began to depart. He knew it was a long walk from the dock to the city, but with a renewed pep in his step he felt as if he could scale the steep cliff walls. Chimes turned to bells as Xavior walked the trail from the dock and to the city of Lhavit. The earth proved just as perilous as the ocean during winter. It was the Unforgiving, a very adequate name to describe the landscape as he hugged the side of the mountain wall careful of the edge. Many chimes had passed, but not quite a bell as Xavior soon found himself at the gate. More of a massive bridge, a testament to the whimsy of Lhavit’s construction, the Amaranthine entrance was a welcomed sight. “Home at last,” he chuckled and began to walk across the long bridge and toward the massive peaks of the city. Lanterns glowed with a flame fed by fresh oil, lit all by hand every night. The city was quiet and it disoriented Xavior for a moment as he made it across the expanse of the bridge. “Hmm, oh. It must be a time of rest now. What good fortune, I could use rest now.” He nodded to himself as the air seemed to grow humid. “Where is Christy and Evan’s house again?” The plateau of Zintia was vast and covered by streets and buildings all made out of the same glassy skyglass, or at least it would seem that way as it shimmered in the light. Xavior found himself soon engulfed in an almost foreign world that was only vaguely familiar to him. “Maybe if I go to the temple I’ll be able to be recognized and led back to my home? What was the peak’s name again? Shin...shim..Shinyata?” Xavior grumbled to himself, “it was left from the gate I remember that much, maybe if I go left I’ll find it.” Xavior did just that as a bell sounded, there was a moment of uncertainty as his form began to gracefully cross a bridge. There was a hint of fog in the distance, it appeared to move across the farthest peak. He watched the large cloud as it seemed to devour the mountain the furthest towers. As he neared the end of the bridge he had to move out of the way as a group of Shinyan ran passed them. “Get inside!” A woman yelled at him as the air grew further humid. Xavior looked around in confusion for a moment as the blanket of fog rolled over his body. “What is going on?” He called back to them and received no reply. It sent a chill through his spine as he cautiously began to push forward in the fog. He could only see the pools of light cast from the fire’s that burned. “It’s only fog,” Xavior chuckled to himself despite his heightened heart rate, “why would they need a unit of Shinyan then?” The tall man wondered as he pressed forward on the bridge. A small chitter came from behind him and made Xavior’s frame turn around with a snap. The round globes of light across the fog covered span all that could be seen. “Hello?” He questioned once more before a cackle came from in front of him. Xavior turned once more and only caught the glimpse of a bat like wing flash in front of the orange light in the fog. Xavior slowly reached for his crossbow and brought the front down to his feet. He drew the string back and slid it into the notch. The chitters and cackles grew as his head darted around some as movement in the peripherals of his eyes could be seen. “This couldn’t be,” Xavior mumbled to himself in disbelief, “they sound like, ziths?” There was a scream somewhere in the fog, the scream seemed to grow distant as the person’s body swiftly moved away from where Xavior stood. There was a moment of silent shock before those hidden in the fog began to scream in panic, “Everyone inside!” Someone called, “Ziths” another shouted as more scream erupted among the curious who had ventured out into the night. Xavior loaded a bolt into the slit of his crossbow and began to run straight between the line of fire’s light. His boots thumped against the stone soon began to grow sharper as the stone gathered moisture from the saturated air. Xavior grunted as he felt the wind of a wing graze near his head. A shadowed form soon descended out of the darkness and into Xavior’s path. A low growl came from the Zith’s chest. “Petch,” he muttered under his breath. He stood still with his crossbow poised at the form. He began to hyperventilate some as he tried to calm his pulse some. His focus was on what he felt and began to tap into the reserved pools of his Djed deep within his body’s personal castle. He began to redirect the flow of djed to his lungs and vocal chords, [color=blue]”Fierce, like wolves. Strong of mind and will, strong as wolves, piercing eyes.” He chanted in his mind focusing the words to his Djed. Even as the zith’s form could be seen as it sprinted toward Xavior, his focus didn’t falter. “Strong as an alpha, leader of the pack, I’m mightier than this rat.” Xavior began to rumble and charge toward the Zith as well to close the gap. Once close enough he stopped and planted himself as well as he could on the slick stone before he belted out the best, growled, shout, as he could. With it came his djed and for a moment the zith paused as if it had seen something truly fearsome for that one moment. A moment needed for Xavior to take aim and fire his bolt. It flew true and dug deep into the Zith’s chest cavity. The sound of the wings as it fluttered and stumbled off the side of the bridge was much relief to Xavior he breathed deeply as he panted. “I gotta find shelter,” he finally said as he recovered from the shock he felt as well as the drain of focusing that much energy into one attack. Soon his hands finally found stone and shortly after a wooden door. He pulled on it and slipped into the Temple of the moon as he continued to pant and huff in the humid air. Others had gathered and Xavior wanted to find out if they knew anymore onto what was going on. oocSorry for the long post. This was sort of a homecoming post lol.

[Albireo]

A slit between flesh, dark fabric and pale hair allowed Albireo to observe the battle from a distance. The fog obscured and dulled her vision, but she saw metal flashing and heard clanking every now and then. They were fighting the monster, piercing it with blades, pushing it with shields. Albireo couldn’t comprehend. Images and sounds reached her mind, but they didn’t translate into meaning. As if her eyes and ears were speaking the wrong language. When someone shouted “Kill it!”, she buried her face in her arms again, sliding down the wall and crouching at the base of the stairs. Torn skin, thick fur, raw flesh, slick and sticky blood… it all came rushing back, drowning her like a huge tidal wave. The images flashed and disturbed the darkness beyond eyes closed shut. Her entire body trembled and her throat was dry as sand. Clawing at it, she tried to breathe, feel the fresh mountain air, but received only bits and pieces. Cobalt eyes widened as she tried to catch her breath. For a moment she felt like suffocating. In wordless silence. Leth. Then a hard cough broke the spell, followed by more. Clean, fresh air sent a surge of energy through her body. She felt like a withered flower watered before her last moment. Looking around, she spotted two men standing over the felled body. Blood clotted in its fur. Her head spun and her stomach protested, but it wasn’t as overwhelming as before. Slowly, slowly the daughter of Leth scrambled to her feet, hair tangled between horns, and called out to the fighters. One of them wore the fabrics and color of Shinya. “Why are they coming here?” she asked, voice still trembling and shrill. The cool stone beneath her hand betrayed the heat of the battle.

[Lu Gavima]

Lu was more than relieved that the foreign warrior's training had kicked in when it had. His strikes were true enough that the Shinya had to release his grasp and roll away lest he take one of the hard thrusts himself through the Zith. After some violent shaking and thrashing of death throes, the creature finally stopped moving. Lu looked to the skies, Zintila's grace finally appearing as the fog was clearing out with fervor. It caused cool breezes to blow through the streets, the sweat on his body only enhancing the dropped temperature. Looking across at the other, Lu bowed to him, his breathing slowing for the moment of rest.

When he rose, a glimmer of recognition crossed the Shinya's features. " I know you. I'm sorry, I still have your book, but I will return it tomorrow or the next day. I have been copying it for my own use." Near death experiences probably brought on the honesty, as Lu immediately remembered that he had mentioned the keeping of the tome as evidential. Oh, well. before he could think more on answers, the beautiful Lethaefal returned from her place of hiding, appearing unharmed. Lu was thankful for that. "They are taking people for slaves and food. Their boldness means there is a large colony forming nearby. We will surely find them and burn them out before long, Lady."

He remained a moment to see that the pair was well and to hear what the fighter had to say about the book's borrowing. The night sky was clearing as much of Zith as fog, no doubt thanks to the efforts of the Shinya and the Reimancers. Though he could not see from his vantage point, Lu suspected that the majority would be fleeing now. The echoes of battle were still evident on Zintia, however, so his respite would be brief.

[Akhtar]

Akhtar heaved his form hunching in as he looked once more around the scene in the moment of respite. He expected a second wave of an attack soon, and when it came he would be ready. He glanced to the Shinya, eyes narrowing as he recognised the face of the younger man before giving a firm and solid nod.
“Very well. At least it still remains in good hands,” he spoke in a respectful tone to him. The bartender then looked upon the Ethaefal, the clear tremble in her voice marking out her fear to all. It was understandable; in the heat of chaos many a person would be confused. And with that confusion would be left vulnerable and scared, an easy picking for the enemy. He gave a nod to the Shinya in agreement, before turning his head away once more to the surroundings. He needed to make a choice, they needed to make a choice. The screams and shouts of the outside world would no doubt give away what was going on. Fighting ensured and so the battle for survival became imminent.

He slid the sword away, and adjusted the shield strap upon his arm. People were fleeing, the district was far from safe and quickly they would turn into easy targets. More so if they stay put. He tried to give a smile to the woman, but he found it difficult to do so. His logic had simply turned cold and hard, his mind set upon defending and to a degree escaping.
“We are safe, for now at least,” he cleared his throat at that point and turned his head to the Shinya, and addressed him specifically “Though I suggest we consider moving on, and fast. Less we become simple pickings. I will stand guard and fight should the need arise though. Unless of course you have a better alternative to follow?”

[Xavior Silhouette]

Within the temple, the sounds of the terror were muffled by the thick stone, like a pillow over one’s face as the mouth spews wails of sorrow for loved ones lost. The grief stricken yells would fill some of the empty shells of homes as the bags of feathers, reserved for dreams to saturate, collected the sadness instead. But the pain, so great would be swallowed by acceptance as those strong of mind would realize. It could have been the wife of a wealthy butcher or the daughter of the squalor, status in disaster carried little weight when presented with the uncontrollable. Blood spilled, a pacifist nightmare, the events was an example just how insignificant the creatures of this world was. Man throws spears to survive, the crimson, thick, blood of innocent splashed onto the glassy stone and turned ruby. Innocence, that splashed with the blood forever lost, of the child who witnessed the needful slaughter of coexistence with equally as innocent creatures of the world. The cloud of naivety lost as the realization that the world was dangerous and broken. Clarity, dreadful clarity and the firm slap of truth, traumatic for those who still developed within the protective shells of a good home. The illusion of being untouchable shattered in an instant as the first cry rolls through the home like an ocean’s wave. They now see clearly and gain the most important piece of wisdom, everyone dies. But that is only partially true, Xavior knew that well. With the sorrowful, the good, and the bad memories brought with it eternal life that continues to live within the psyche. A thought that comforts some, but for Xavior the memory of Sunberth was one that he wished would truly die. He knew what had to be done in order for those memories to lay to rest for good. Burry them as you would the dead with the soil made from better memories. For the moment the clergy had their hands full as they grouped the folks toward the inner chambers of the temple. The threat of a breach through the sacred wooden doors or ornamental windows was a real one. Xavior moved away from the door in a hurry. His booted feet made two different sounds as the sole had come loose from the leather sleeve. The echo bounced off the painted, domed, ceiling as his eyes busily scanned ahead of him for signs of the familiar face he had left behind. In his hurry he felt a disturbance in his leg, a dull thud that sent ripples up his skin. His mission was paused as he stopped and turned. A young man, couldn’t have been more than six, sat on the ground. Blood shot eyes stared up at Xavior’s face, that glazed look of the eyes told all Xavior needed to know. His legs cleared the distance between himself and the young boy before he knelt down. “I apologize, I didn’t mean to knock you over.” Xavior extended a hand to rub the boy’s shoulder as he sniffled and cleared the tears. “It’s not that, I’m scared.” The boy said between breaths, “I lost my friends. We were playing and I don’t know where they are.” Xavior didn’t know what to say “Lets not make this worse, I don’t know what he means by lost.” “Do you know where you’re parents are?” Xavior changed the subject and continued to look around the halls as he half expected someone to rush over and snatch him up. That moment never came and Xavior’s heartbeat elevated slightly, “Mmhmm, they were at home. I should have been home too.” The boy admitted his guilt as he grew closer to Xavior before he hugged Xavior’s neck tightly. “I don’t even know if they are okay!” The boy’s tears could be felt, as they dripped on his soul. Xavior hugged back some, hesitant at first, but slowly his arms moved around the boy as he tried his best to comfort. “I’m sure they are alright, I’ll prove it to you.” Xavior’s hand attempted to unclasp the arms from around his neck to no success. “How are you going to do that?” The curiosity and skepticism in the boy made him loosen the grip some. “I’ll take you home right now, I’ll protect you.” Xavior nodded his head and flashed a warm smile. The violet eyes studied the boy’s face as a splash of familiarity speckled his brain. The soft, fair skin and green eyes were familiar to him. “You’ll protect me?” The boy said hesitantly and seemed to relax further and seemed surprised to find himself in a stood up position now. “Mm hmm, promise,” Xavior stood up slowly and extended a bit of his robe for the boy to grasp. “See the symbol on my back? That moon will protect us on our travels, it is what helped me leave here and explore extraordinary places. My faith in Leth protected me through it all. Maybe I’ll tell you a story about a distant land wouldn’t you like that?” The boy seemed to be enthusiastic of the idea and began to tug on Xavior’s robe toward the door once more. But once the wooden surface presented itself to him his feet stilled. The boy looked up at Xavior as fear once more consumed the young face. Xavior only smiled and reached up to the branch like horns and slipped off one of his memory charms. A bit of canvas wrapped in twine, a memory of the gang he had ran with. “I know you are scared young man but here take this. This is a special charm, blessed by Leth,” he exaggerated, “when you hold this in your hand Leth will walk with you and protect you in the darkness. No harm will come to you.” Xavior extended his hand and pressed the bit of trash in the boy’s hand. Though in that moment, the keepsake gained power and in proxy so did the boy. Courage filled the boy as Xavior pushed the door open and was met with clearer air. oocSorry for the long delay. I may also switch this to a separate thread so that it can be graded. I’ll be opening another thread in the future that will be open as well. Though it is mostly just an aftermath thread and taking this kid home.

[Albireo]

Slaves and food. Slaves and food. It repeated in Albireo’s head over and over again. “I wish you luck and the blessing of the Gods then, although I am no lady”, she replied with a nod. Would it seem cruel to wish a good hunt? And even divine blessing? Safety was crucial though. With the echo of panic still in the back of her throat, there was no room for consideration. Or compassion. When the other man spoke, she turned to him. His voice was a smooth surface of warrior’s logic and reason. The right thing to do. The terrified part of Albireo wanted to join and follow, cling to those who knew how to survive, who did more than run, but the returning rest knew better. Warriors, she’d weigh them down, as a victim, vulnerable, nothing but a weakness. Instead she took another step towards them and offered a deep bow. “Thank you.” For once words were simple and straightforward, not a sign of riddle. Gratitude was a modest thing. Who was she to turn around the feeling in her mouth? Inside she’d be the safest, a roof protecting from claws and wings above, so she retreated to the staircase and where she belonged. Still, she’d stand and watch until the two brave men were out of sight. And what an odd sight: a Shinya and a civilian. Perhaps they’d make a story, those two and the furred terror… a hard and cruel story it’d be. OOCLooks like we're done here!

[Lu Gavima]

OOC :

I want to thank everyone for joining this thread and making a city event alive rather than a calendar blurb. At this point, I'll be wrapping it up. Akhtar, if you would like to do a separate thread of us going house to house, that works for me. Thanks again!

With the atmospheric cover retreating, so did the Zith. Stray shapes could be seen bolting into the night as those left behind did their best to return to the pack. Those of the Dawn Tower changed their numbers as the family went indoors and the many prepared healers were given the go ahead to go out and treat the injured. The Shinya began to move back in toward Zintia from the outer peaks, tightening the net of vigilance.

Lu was calming his breathing still, looking at the daughter of Leth in her moonlit majesty."Pardon me if I think otherwise." All of Leth's children held a higher stature to Lu, as he felt a kinship to the Moon Lord himself. The true Moon Lord, as opposed to the old Lethaefal that claimed that title. Listening to the foreigners proposal, Lu's training and discipline overrode any desire for friendship. "If you would like to accompany my unit in checking houses, you are more than welcome. I must check in with my superiors now, however." With that, he nodded to the pair and met up with the others.

Protector Nars, a large and stocky brown haired fellow, met him at the end of the street. "They are on the run, Gavima! Did you find anything?" Lu found his exuberance typical but a little excessive. "A lone Zith. A foregner and I dispatched it. What are the current orders?" Nars seemed to be looking over Lu's shoulder for signs of carnage. "I think it's over now. The other units are moving house to house to check for stragglers and injuries. We are all to report at Shinyama in two bells." Lu nodded and thanked his Brother. Under the light of Leth, he felt instilled with a sense of pride to see that the Shinya had contained the problem.

[Whimsy]

Lu Gavima

Experience	Lore
+2 Weapon: Staff	Called to Shinya Duties
+1 Leadership	Protecting Lhavitian Citizens
+1 Acrobatics	The Reason Behind The Zith Attack

Ahktar

Experience	Lore
+1 Stealth	Battle Stance
+1 Leadership	Working In Tandem In a Fight
+1 Weapon: Small Shield	Remembering Old Habits
+1 Weapon: Skirmish Sword
+1 Tactics

Albireo

Experience	Lore
+1 Stealth	Watching a Child Be Stolen
	Hiding From Danger
	Anxiety Attacks

Xaviour

Experience	Lore
+1 Weapon: Crossbow	Zith Form: Despised & Discriminated
+1 Hypnotism	Intimidation in Battle Through Chants
	Comforting The Young

Comments
Good to see everyone using calendar events in their threads! Lu, usually you would need some sort of mod permission to control that many NPCs and make that many things happen. I'm assuming Elysium gave it to you. I'm sorry I couldn't award you all more experience; however, what you did was basic. I enjoyed the writing here, though. PM me if you have any questions or concerns.

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